While I consider myself a crafty gal, one who dabbles at many creative pursuits, I am definitely not proficient at them all. My go-to strong suit is by far sewing, probably because I have been doing it the longest.
But I know many of you are novices, or maybe have never even touched your inherited sewing machine. That’s why I want to take you to school! Sewing school, that is.
A love for sewing
I come from a legacy of sewistas. [side note: I don't think that's officially a word, but I know sewist is and I like to put my own Spanglish touch on it and say sewista. Seamstress sounds a little too professional to me, and professional I am not. I am also not alone in my consideration of this: see this post.]
Back to my legacy, my mom is an accomplished sewista and quilter. She made my wedding dress, and almost all my bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, etc. She has made many of the quilts in my house along with many other sewn items. My grandma was a talented sewista as well. I would love to virtually introduce you to them in the future. My mother-in-law is another who loves to sew, and is darn good at it.
So sewing is sort of in my blood. I took a beginning class in elementary school, and then from there on out had my personal tutor, mom, showing me whatever I needed to know… mostly for those ever-important projects of scrunchies and doll clothing.
I took breaks where I didn’t do much sewing (during high school for example), and in my adult years have really fallen in love with the ability to create something with a piece of fabric and some thread.
Time to learn together
I’ve noticed that whenever I’ve posted a sewing tutorial, I’ve gotten comments from readers expressing that they wish they could sew or that they want to learn.
What better time to learn a bit about sewing that during back-to-school season? If this season is too busy for you, I’ll hope you’ll read along and pin these posts for the future, but if you’re ready to learn, I want to get your input on what to include in our series.
I also want to acknowledge that many of you may be accomplished sewistas already. If that’s the case, there is always more to learn and we can always glean from each other, so I hope you’ll come to school with us as well and leave your input in the comments.
Today, I’d love for you to chime in here in the comments.
What would you like to learn about here in Sewing School? Are you a novice, intermediate, or advanced sewista? What kind of projects would you like to learn how to do? Do you want to learn to make clothes, gifts, or just sew a straight line? Do you need advice picking out equipment/tools or have questions about your machine? Let us know, and I’m looking forward to getting our little school in session.
About Nicole
Alterations & up-cycling, please!
I’ve wanted to learn to sew for a long time…my husband even bought me a sewing machine, which sits unopened in my linen closet 6 years later. :/ I’ve always wanted to sew my own curtains and pillow covers, and maybe make a quilt!
THis is exactly what I want to learn as well!!!
me too! My Husband got me a sewing machine for Christmas 3 years ago and I’ve been too intimdated to touch it. It probably needs a good dusting first!
I am so excited about this! I would love if you’d include tips for teaching kids to see. My 8 yo is so anxious to learn, and I have no idea where to start.
Yes I’m with Mandi, both my son and daughter who are 9 would love to learn to sew.
I want to learn about patterning so when I make something for my newbie sewing self I don’t look like a frump. That keeps me from even beginning as i too have a very accomplished sewing momma and I wouldn’t want her to see my flops. I also don’t want to waste my limited time money and inspiration on flopping.
Quilting and hemming pants! But I’m a complete beginner, so maybe “How to Sew a Straight Line” should come first.
I have a pair of pants that I love! And sadly, they are falling apart. They are a knit material, I think.
I would love to know how to make a pattern from them and make a new pair. They are also a little too big so I would need to take them in somehow. I also have always wanted to know how to make a quilt like the one pictured in the post and my 7 year old daughter is always begging me to teach her how to sew.
I am a novice who has attempted napkins. What I would really like to learn is how cut a true square.
I would love to just learn how to sew in a straight line and learn how to use a sewing machine. My family really wants to make the rice bags that you heat up in the microwave and put in your bed during the winter time to keep you toasty. If I could learn how to make those, I’d be happy!
I agree with the patterning – how to tailor fits, how to create patterns from already-existing pieces.
Also – how to have an eye for what fabrics would be useful to have and for what projects. The thrifting & sale shopping of sewing so that I don’t have to run out to the fabric store every time I get in my mind to make something. I’d love to learn how to see fabric (whether on the bolt or in the form of something else at the thrift store) as what it could be rather than what it is. Can you teach that?
Yay! I once sewed a pillow (not by measurements, just winged it), YEARS ago, but I have an inherited sewing machine I’ve never used and am intimidated. Would LOVE to learn, and would LOVE to make a quilt like the one you have pictured, for my newborn baby coming in November’s crib bedding! Will you be starting this very soon?? Thank you, thank you, thank you for this!
I need help sewing a zipper in. I’ve only done it once. An example like the pouches you make for the prayer cards would be great.
Yes, Zippers! I keep thinking they can’t be that hard. Yet I won’t try one. Also, how to keep your stitches straight (machine). Thank you for sending us back to school, I can’t wait!!
Zippers please! And how to choose a pattern too please.
I need to learn how to cover a love seat and make new cushions for a rocking chair in the next couple months.
. Or any other home stuff!!
Knits! Knits! Knits! I’ve only been sewing since January, and while I’ve gotten some decent skills under my belt thanks to a few classes, I’m still intimidated by knits, which is unfortunate because knits are what I mostly wear (not to mention my toddler son!). Learning to sew literally changed my life and sewing has truly become my passion, so the fact that you’re doing this sewing school and helping other people learn…well….high five. It’s such a gift.
Wow, sounds like you are going to be busy
I think along with some of these more advanced suggestions (totally another vote for learning to adjust/fit patterns) some reeeeeally basics would help the truly beginning sewers. I remember getting started teaching myself to sew, seeing directions like “wash your fabric, block/square it, and iron before starting” or “sew a straight seam and finish your edges” totally confused me, so I just quit in the middle of the project. What does finish you edge mean? How do you square fabric? It’s easier to tackle a more complicate problem if you are stuck on the beginning skills 
Yes! Yes! I need the terminology lesson. I have read my sewing machine manual, but I still struggle with the terms. (though I guess I also have a basic sewing book that probably covers this stuff!)
Agree!
I’ve done some basic sewing: hemming pants, making placemats, simple curtains. I would like to know more about no-pattern clothes sewing.
This is quite timely for us as we are REALLY wanting to get proficient in the area of sewing in our home. Our oldest daughter has sewn a few quilts; one for herself & one for my niece. We would love to learn how to efficiently “read” a pattern (how much fabric, extra supplies necessary, ect.) & how to sew skirts. Actually, anything you have to teach we would LOVE to learn!
Yes! I feel so initmated by patterns! I’d rather just figure out how to do something on my own, which means I’m pretty limited to what I can do. And I really want to make skirts, too.
(with wide elastic waist bands)
i’d consider myself a novice. i danced so i had to sew a few things here and there (shoes mostly) but that was years ago. now i have kids and would like to learn a few things i can sew for them…simple dresses, shirts…if that is even possible….
I have sewn a few things and taken a class…yes, in that order. I love tutorials as I am a visual learner. However, often tutorials seem to assume a lot and I end up confused. So, some very basic step by step tutorials would be great. Some education on fabrics would be great. I love a lot of the refashioning that is going on. Fabrics can be so expensive. So, to take something one already has or finds cheap at thrift and make it new is great. I am interested in sewing clothes for myself and daughter. Thank you!
I am a total novice and wish i knew how to decently hem a pair of pants (man that would save my short self a lot of money currently going to a seamstress)
I would love to know super basics, like hemming, to what type of sewing machine to buy. I would love to get one for Christmas, but don’t want it to be “wrong” or a waste of $ if I never use it because I don’t know how.
Eventually I would like to make cute little outfits for the kids, curtains, bags, etc (stupid Pinterest making me realize how uncrafty I am), but I am not looking to get too pushy from an intro class!
I second wanting to know how to hem! My pants are always 1/2 an inch too long : )
Yes, hemming is the basic that I need most!
And, any ideas on how to take in kids pants for those skinny waists. I end up spending way too much time dragging the kids through stores just to find a pair of pants that fits them. It’s a waste of time and mental/emotional energy for all of us.
I have SOOOO many problems with the tension on my machine- so I would love to know any tips/tricks for that.
I have also always wanted to make my own patterns.
I don’t know what I don’t know, but I do know that I know very little about sewing.
If you aren’t really interested in starting with the absolute basics; this is a sewing machine etc… I would love to be pointed in the direction of tutorials already online that others have found to be useful.
This is a great idea!
The range of abilities and interests is soooo vast. I would love for Simple Homemade to introduce simple projects, but those of us novices would benefit from being pointed to blogs or tutorials that teach the solid basics.
Same goes for more advanced projects or specific techniques.
Goodie! I would love to get some ideas for simple grown up girl dresses or tops. I find that I’m willing to try things out with clothes for my kids but when to it comes to mama’s things I’m a bit of a chicken. Mama needs new duds for the school year too.
My mom was a Sewista and so was her mother. She tried to teach me when I was younger, but I wasn’t interested. Why should I sew when she was making me clothes? Boy was I young and dumb. I’m in the Novice group. I just bought a new sewing machine at the beginning of summer. I just now learned how to thread it and me and my kiddos have been just playing around with old pieces of material.
This class could not come at a better time. I just want the basics right now. How to make a simple skirt, sewing in zippers, maybe button wholes, or making some pillows.
I would love to learn how to ruffle! I’m seeing so many great things with ruffles & as I am having a girl in October I guess it’s time to learn.
Also how to tell what tension to use or which stitch to use on different types of fabrics as well as different thicknesses. I was trying to sew some basic cotton fabric to a thickish batting & the thread kept “birdnesting” underneath. It would look fine on top but had what looked like a rope for a few inches before it would stop. 
I finally got it working but that happens more often than I like to admit.
Ellyn, here is a tip to avoid “birdnesting”. Hold your bobbin tail and your needle tail threads with one hand for about 5 stitches, guide with your other hand. Voila! Problem solved.
My mom just bought me a sewing machine for my birthday because I’d love to learn how to sew! I did some sewing when I was in middle school for a class, but other than that, I’m not even sure how to get my machine up and running and sewing! I’d love to eventually make children’s clothing, like cute little dresses. I have many nieces and nephews and it seems like such a treasured gift to be able to give. Beginner lessons would be so appreciated.
Many of us have older machines without all the fancies, and no sergers. I would like to learn how to do basic maintenance, how to trouble shoot, how to make simple but stylish items–like a pillow cover, bench cushion, handbag. Ideas on retooling the clothes we already own and our existing home furnishings. Thank you for offering to do sewing tutorials.
I think this is great! I started sewing a few years ago when I started making our life over from scratch. I smile to think of the first few things I made, but I am still proud of myself for TRYING!!!! I am now even sewing little things to sell with our farmers market stuff.
I would love to learn to sew some easy bags–like simple totes.
I love to sew but am in the beginner to intermediate stage. I can sew skirts and straight lines for curtains.
I have a basic sewing machine, but I’ve heard that the more expensive ones help you to sew straighter. Could you teach us about that?
Also, I’ve been wanting to sew a church bag with pockets for notebooks, scriptures, and snacks, etc. thanks!
I would love to be able to sew basics around the house & make some cute kids clothes! But I don’t even know how to sew on a button:( beginning tips would be fabulous!
Zippers! I would love to know how to sew in an “invisible” zipper.
I would also like to work on making the wrong side of the garment look better. The skirts I’ve made for myself have a “rough” edge on the inside seam.
I recently got a sewing machine and need a refresher beginner course! I’d love to sew practical things, clothes, toys, household items…
This couldn’t come at a more perfect time! I am a complete beginner. I want to learn how to use and care for my machine, sewing a straight line, and all of details, like washing your fabric before you start and pinning the fabric, etc.
I think it’s great that so many want to learn the more advanced things like zippers, making patterns, covering furniture, etc. But ladies, you need to be realistic and know that you need to start small. First, learn how to operate your machine, whether it needs oiling or not (most machines in the last 30 years are so are non-oilers – I learned from my stepfather who used to sell sewing machines).
You also need to learn the little things that are so important, like holding your threads behind when you begin to sew, what kind of thread and needles to use, which fabrics are easy to sew and which are very difficult, etc.
I suggest starting with something very simple, like a pillow cover or a potholder…really. I’m a beader and I’m always astounded when I see other beaders using the wrong kind of threading materials, findings, etc. You really need a good foundation to become proficient at things. Otherwise, things such as sewing or beading will become very frustrating to you and you will have made things that you have to do over or toss. Or more likely, you’ll have ufo’s – unfinished objects.
I also would like to suggest those who are very new at sewing to pick up a basic sewing book and begin to read it and read the manual to your machine. If you don’t have the manual, often times they can be found online.
I love this post. My mom is an excellent sewer, so I have a concept of how important these things are, but she lives 14 hours away and I didn’t pick up nearly enough of those basics!
Been sewing for 50 some years… Mom sewed, Grandma sewed… my granddaughters are learning in 4H..
I would like to learn the new stuff… new shortcuts, items that make it easier these days, new ways of doing things. Example: I recently learned about spray on adhesive – and it works so much better than pins when holding mending patches on old jeans and flannel shirts, etc… More “new things” would help me out.
Also any tips for old hands getting arthritic – “cheats” to make sewing easier for us
Sounds like a great thing you are doing!
Lap quilting or quilt as you go blocks ? I never have gotten the knack yet of how you get them together after you do the blocks… totally baffles me…
I want to learn it all! I’ve learned how to knit and now would like to try sewing.
So excited for this series! I can sew a straight stitch, but my skills end there. I’ve never taken a basic skills class, so I’m sure I don’t even know what I don’t know. I pull out my manual every time I sit down to use my machine. General basics of using a sewing machine, choosing fabrics and threads, what needles/settings on a machine accommodate certain fabrics, uses for different types of stitches would be really helpful.
Otherwise, I would love to learn more basic skills tailored to quilting and clothing – pattern-making, taking measurements, zippers, and ruffles to name a few.
Can’t wait to see where this goes! Good luck, and thanks!
My 7 year old and I would both love to learn who to sew! My dad found me a sewing machine at his local thrift store, and I would really like to learn to use it. Anything for a beginner!
I wish I understood why the tension gets off on my machine and how I can fix it.
And buttonholes…I’m completely intimidated by buttonholes.
and another vote for patterning! one reason I took sewing lessons is to try to make my own clothes that fit. patterning from scratch, making a pattern from an existing piece, tailoring purchased patterns, any of that would be helpful. I hope to take another class sooner or later but since it looks like it will be later
this sounds like a great series, thanks!
Yes, yes, yes…all of the above! I haven’t done any real sewing since high school where I took some classes. My teacher’s name was Mrs. Sewsew (no kidding!). I need to purchase a good starter machine for my girls to learn on as well. We would all love to learn some of the basics. Thanks!
That is too funny. It sounds like she was destined to be a sewista.
Id love to learn how to thread my sewing machine! The bobbin always gets tangled up and locks it all up. Also the basics of using patterns, and especially how to tailor a shirt, or dress that’s too big.
I was thinking about this recently. I wish I knew how to be a craftier person. If I could choose anything it would be the most basic…an apron. Only, I would like to make it for my little niece.
Can’t wait!
I love that you are willing to take this on!! I have to admit that I too, come from a long line of really good sewistas, but somehow I never got in the groove. My mom is excellent, and sometimes I find that fear keeps me from trying. And time, as we have “littles” underfoot. I’d love to know how to keep at a project rather than let it sit- do you let things around the house slide? do you sew 15 minutes at night? Also, I have lots of trouble interpreting pattern lingo. Any and all help is appreciated- I was glad to get your yo-yo tutorial a while back!
We bought a night gown pattern for my 12-year old daughter to make. She needed help as soon as she opened the envelop. She couldn’t understand the instructions and some of the terminologies. So she needs to learn the basics first, such as how to read a pattern and get the project started, etc. Thank you.
I would love to learn how to make a vest with a lining.
I sew but would love to learn more!! This sounds like a great idea.
I’d love to learn how to sew small felt toys/play food. I don’t have a machine, and I’ve never sewed before, so I’d even need to know the basics like how to start/stop the needle and thread when hand sewing!
I would love to learn to sew… I think I would be interested in basic things.. like how to make a drawstring bag, how to darn a hole, esp in jeans !! how to make pants into shorts. What a great idea for a series
I’d like to sew a quilt! Also, how the hell do you read the backs of pattern packages? I’m sure my mom taught me, but I forgot.